Leader Spotlight

Hon. Vincent Sheheen (Young Leader 2011)

What do you like most about Switzerland?
The can-do spirit of its people.

What do you like most about the USA?
The can-do spirit of its people.

What defines your leadership style?
Inclusive, consensus building.

Who inspires you?
I have inspiration from the legacy of my grandfather, Austin Sheheen. His family couldn't afford college for him. Through incredible hard work, intellectual curiosity, and a commitment to family, he created a thriving small business and was later elected mayor of our small town. His word was truly his bond, and life was lived for the betternment of his family and neighbors.

What is your greatest achievement?
Marrying my wife, Amy.

Do you have any weaknesses?
Many. Among them is a tendency to micromanage and having a hard time letting go of a task.

Where do you live?
Camden, South Carolina, U.S.A.

What is your favorite place in the world?
Camden, South Carolina, U.S.A.

What is the best book you ever read?
Too hard to chose. Fiction- All the Kings Men; Where the Red Fern Grows; non-fiction- Meditations of Marcus Aurelius; The Rise and Fall of the Third Reich.

What is your goal in life?
To help those around me pursue happiness.

About Vincent Sheheen

Born and raised in Camden, SC – where his family has lived for more than a century – Vincent Sheheen has committed his career, public and private, to helping South Carolina and its residents succeed. And when it comes to improving South Carolina, Vincent has literally written the book. The third-term state Senator released his book of policy ideas, The Right Way: Getting the Palmetto State Back on Track in early 2013 laying out his positive vision for how to move South Carolina forward.

Vincent is currently running for governor of South Carolina, with the election to be held in 2014, after being the Democratic nominee in 2010. The 2010 race was one of the closest in the nation.

While serving in the legislature, Vincent has been an advocate for public education, improving ethics in government, and reforming government to make it more accountable and transparent.

Before his election to the South Carolina Senate in 2004, Vincent served as a city prosecutor and a state representative.

He is an active member of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church and frequently volunteers in local elementary schools by reading to young students. Vincent earned his Juris Doctorate at the University of South Carolina School of Law and his undergraduate degree at Clemson University, where he met his wife, Amy. Vincent and Amy live in Camden, SC with their 17-year old twins, Austin and Joseph, and 12-year old son, Anthony.